What States Border California? | eHow What States Border California? Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Eureka! Yes, that's a town in northern California, but it's also the state motto. Gold fever had something to do with that. California is the third largest state in the country, with the almost 900-mile length of its west coast framed by the Pacific Ocean. Three smaller states border this beautiful state, with its redwoods, pristine beaches and snow-capped mountains. Oregon The western half of Oregon lies along the northern edge of California. The two states meet in a geographically stunning manner along the Pacific coast, and blend into pine country and rolling hills the farther east you travel. Unlike the East Coast of the United States, which is composed of 14 states, the West Coast has three: California, Oregon and Washington. Nevada Flanking almost the entire state along California's eastern border is Nevada. The Sierra Nevada Mountains run along a 250-mile-long portion of this border, with the two states sharing certain areas.

The two states also share portions of such diverse sites as Lake Tahoe, Death Valley and the Mojave Desert, the latter being an enormously hot and dry zone with unique features across its 25,000 square miles. Countless visitors annually travel between these major destinations, and also from Los Angeles in Southern California to Las Vegas in Nevada. Arizona Western Arizona lies against the southeastern side of California. The Colorado River divides the two states. Blythe, California, and Yuma, Arizona, are two major crossing points along the border. These desert regions can experience high winds and dust storms, which create problems for travelers. Always stay alert to local conditions. The Colorado River has many areas for recreation seekers. Mexico Though not a state, Mexico borders the southernmost part of California. Tourists and travelers between the United States and Mexico must present passports or other forms of identification when moving between countries, and will sometimes have to wait long periods of time at actual border crossings. The long waits typically occur during peak travel seasons or when something has gone awry that local law enforcement deems is serious enough to stop traffic. Patience and a good book come in handy during such waits, or get out and stretch and try to identify the differences in landscapes.

California Location, size, and extent Situated on the Pacific coast of the southwestern US, California is the nation's 3rd-largest state (after Alaska and Texas). The total area of California is 158,706 sq mi (411,048 sq km), of which land takes up 156,299 sq mi (404,814 sq km) and inland water 2,407 sq mi (6,234 sq km). California extends about 350 mi (560 km) E-W; its maximum N-S extension is 780 mi (1,260 km). California is bordered on the N by Oregon; on the E by Nevada; on the SE by Arizona (separated by the Colorado River); on the S by the Mexican state of Baja California Norte; and on the W by the Pacific Ocean. The eight Santa Barbara islands lie from 20 to 60 mi (32–97 km) off California's southwestern coast; the small islands and islets of the Farallon group are about 30 mi (48 km) W of San Francisco Bay.

The total boundary length of the state is 2,050 mi (3,299 km), including a general coastline of 840 mi (1,352 km); the tidal shoreline totals 3,427 mi (5,515 km). California's geographic center is in Madera County, 38 mi (61 km) E of the city of Madera. California Geography from NETSTATE North to South 560 miles: greatest distance East to West. 1,040 miles: greatest distance North to South. Geographic Center Explanation The geographic center of California is located 38 miles east of Madera. Longitude: 120° 4.9'W Latitude: 36° 57.9'N Borders California is bordered by Oregon to the north. In the south, California shares an international border with Mexico. To the east, Nevada and Arizona share the California border. California meets the Pacific Ocean on the west. Total Area California covers 163,707 square miles, making it the third largest of the 50 states . Land Area 155,973 square miles are land areas.

Water Area 7,734 square miles of California are covered by water. Highest Point The highest point in California is Mt. Whitney at 14,494 feet. Mt. Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states. Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in Alaska , rises 20,320 feet above sea level and is the highest point in the United States. Lowest Point The lowest point in California is in Death Valley . Death Valley lies 282 feet below sea level and is the lowest point in the United States. Mean Elevation The Mean Elevation of the state of California is 2,900 feet above sea level. Major Rivers Sacramento River, San Joaquin River, Colorado River Major Lakes Lake Tahoe , Salton Sea , Owens Lake , Searles Lake The Land California is the third largest state, behind Alaska and Texas, and runs almost 800 miles from north to south. It is not surprising that it offers a contrasting landscape and a diverse topography . California's general coastline is 840 miles long. Along much of the coast, the Coast Ranges rise from the shore in steep cliffs and terraces.

Southern California has many wide, sandy beaches. California's topography can be characterized by defining eight main regions within the state; Klamath Mountains: In the northwest corner of the state are the Klamath Mountains . They are comprised of many small forest covered ranges and are higher than the coastal mountains to the south. Many mountains range from about 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. The small ranges are separated by deep canyons. Coastal Ranges: The Coastal Ranges in the north reach inland 20 to 30 miles extend from the Klamath Mountains in the north south to Santa Barbara. The Coastal Ranges include many smaller chains of mountain ranges including the Diablo and Santa Cruz Mountains. Some of the valleys separating these ranges are the Napa Valley, north of San Francisco and the Santa Clara and Salinas Valleys to the south. The Coastal Range is home to California's legendary Redwoods and, less fortunately the San Andreas Fault. The San Andreas Fault enters California from the Pacific Ocean near Port Arena and extends southeast into the state. Earthquakes are caused by movement of the earth's crust along this fault.

Yosemite, Tunnel View Courtesy of Robert Holmes The Sierra Nevada: The Sierra Nevada mountain range in the east runs about 430 miles from north to south and forming a giant wall rising to over 14,000 feet. The range varies from around 40 to 70 miles wide. Many peaks in the range reach over 14,000 feet above sea level, with Mt. Whitney, at 14,494 feet, the highest peak in the United States south of Alaska. Mountain streams and glacial action have cut deep valleys into the western part of the Sierras. Yosemite Valley is one of the most spectacular of these valleys. Visit the Sierra Nevadas at the United States Geological Survey. Central Valley: The Central Valley lies between the Coastal Range and the Sierra Nevada range and is home to the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers. Sometimes called the Great Valley, the Central Valley is about 450 miles long from points in the northwest to the southeast. A level, broad fertile plain, the Central Valley is the most important farming area west of the Rocky Mountains and comprises about three-fifths of California's productive farmland.

Mount Shasta Courtesy of Robert Holmes Cascade Mountains: The Cascade Mountains extend north from the Sierra Nevada mountain range. They were formed by volcanoes unlike the other mountain ranges in California and support one still-active volcano; Lassen Peak. Lassen is 10,457 feet high and located in the southern Cascades. The Cascade Mountains are also home to Mt. Shasta, once and active volcano. Mt. Shasta rises 14,162 feet above sea level. Basin and Range Region: The Basin and Range Province contain the southeastern deserts of California. The Basin and Range Region is part of a large region that extends into Nevada, Oregon, and other states. In the north, much of the area is a lava plateau. This was formed thousands of years ago when the region was flooded with molten lava flowing out of cracks in the earth's surface. In the south, a good deal of the area is wasteland and includes the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert . Death Valley lies near the California-Nevada border and features some of the most inhospitable territory in the world. Some areas of the Basin and Range Region have been made quite productive, however, due to large irrigation projects that have made farming feasible.

Two of these areas are the Imperial and the Coachella Valleys near the California border with Mexico. The Los Angeles Ranges: The Los Angeles Ranges, between Santa Barbara and San Diego counties, are a group of small mountain ranges that extend east to west. Because of this general east-west direction, the Los Angeles Ranges are sometimes called the Transverse Ranges. Most mountain ranges in California run generally from north to south. Included in the Los Angeles Ranges are the Santa Ynez, Santa Monica, San Gabriel, and San Bernardino mountains. Sometimes the San Jacinto and Santa Ana Mountains are included as part of the Los Angeles Ranges. The San Diego Ranges: The San Diego Ranges cover most of San Diego county in the southwestern corner of California. These mountains, sometimes called the Peninsular Ranges, include the Agua Tibia, Laguna, and Vallecito mountains and extend southward into the Mexican peninsula known as Baja California. The general coastline of California is 840 miles long. Much of the coast is characterized by the Coast Ranges rising from the shore in steep cliffs and terraces. In southern California many wide, sandy beaches can be found. Snow Blows From the Slopes of Mt.

Whitney Purchase print From the peak of Mt. Whitney to Death Valley, California's topographic diversity is exemplified. Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the 48 contiguous United States, and Death Valley, the lowest point in the United States, lie only 85 miles from each other. Read more about the major land areas of California, including the Cascade Range, the Klamath Mountains, and the Mojave Desert. This interesting overview is provided by the California Department of Conservation. For more about the Coastal Geography of California, visit these pages from the California Coastal Resource Guide by the California Coastal Commission. California travel guide - Wikitravel These are some of the major cities in California. Travel Guide Sacramento - This metropolitan area sited amongst the fertile flatlands of the Central Valley, between the San Francisco Bay and Sierra Nevada mountains, hosts the state capitol and the 19th century historic area Old Sacramento. Bakersfield - The largest city of the southernmost San Joaquin valley, this is an important producer of oil and agriculture. Blazing hot in the summer with poor air quality, but at the foot of the Sierra Nevada's cooler and clearer altitudes and midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The world's largest Basque population outside of Spain is found here and fine Basque restaurants abound. Fresno - Urban center of the Mid-San Joaquin Valley. Gateway to the prime national parks of the highest Sierra Nevada mountains: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. Los Angeles - The state's largest city, and 2nd-largest in the nation. L.A. is home to Hollywood, Venice, The Getty Center, and Griffith Park. Palm Springs - Desert recreation with golf, spas, resorts, casinos, and the famous aerial tramway. San Diego - Beach towns, Balboa Park, Old Town, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and nearby Tijuana, Mexico. San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, America's largest Chinatown, cable cars, Victorian houses, mecca of cultural, ethnic and sexuality. San Jose - Near San Francisco but with a distinct identity, home of the Winchester Mystery House, and the center of Silicon Valley, which is home to many technology companies. Santa Cruz - A central coast city. The home of the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Mission Santa Cruz, and the Mystery Spot.

History[ edit ] Human occupation in California goes back 50000 years; California was home to thirty different tribal groups prior to the arrival of European explorers in the 1500s and now over 120 tribes are left. The first Europeans were the Spanish and Portuguese, who built a settlement in California, establishing twenty-one missions in California by the late 1700s. Many of these missions survive today, including that in Santa Barbara . After the Mexican War for Independence in 1821, California became a part of Mexico for 25 years until 1846 where it briefly became a sovereign nation, California Republic, before it was annexed by the United States in 1846. In 1848 the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada mountains kicked off the California Gold Rush, and California's non-native population surged from 15,000 to over 300,000 within two years. California was recognized as a state in 1850, and its population increased steadily since then. Today California is the most populous state in the US with over 38 million residents.

Landscape[ edit ] With over 160,000 square miles (411,000 km2) the landscape of California is vast and varied. The state contains extremes in elevation, with Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet (4,421 m) being the tallest mountain in the lower-48 states, while less than 200 miles away Death Valley , at 282 feet (-82 m) below sea level, is North America's lowest point. California's border to the west is made up of a rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The coastal mountains rise up from the ocean and are home to redwood trees in the northern half. The Central Valley bisects California from north-to-south before giving way to the Sierra Nevada mountains, home of Yosemite National Park , Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and other natural wonders. The southeastern part of California is dominated by desert, which covers 25% of California's total area. The Mojave is a high desert, with elevations ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level. This area receives less than six inches of rain each year.

Climate[ edit ] The state's climate varies from temperate at the coast to the brutal winters of the mountains to one of the world's hottest regions in the deserts. Rainfall is more common in the northern part of the state than in the south, and snow is rare except in the mountains. The hottest temperature ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere, 134°F (56.6°C) was at Death Valley in 1913, and temperatures regularly exceed 120°F (49°C) during the summer. In contrast, winter temperatures in the mountains can drop below 0°F. People[ edit ] California is a very diverse state with many ethnic groups. California has large populations of people of varied backgrounds such as Mexican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Armenian, Iranian, Jewish, Chinese, Russian, Filipino, Eastern Indian, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Thai, and Hmong. California also has large populations of African Americans and Native Americans. Californians have a wide variety of political views. The Central Valley, Orange County , San Diego , and Palm Springs area tend to be more conservative, while Los Angeles County and the San Francisco Bay area tend to be more liberal.

California is a very large and populous state, with very different cultures in each region. By car[ edit ] All major road entrances (including entrances from other U.S. States) to California have agricultural inspection stations to ensure that some fruits and vegetables do not cross into a region where they may come into contact with the farms in the Central Valley . Often, travelers are subject to border inspection (somewhat strict for domestic travel) and asked if they have been on a farm or are carrying organic matter with them. By plane[ edit ] Like most American cities, most cities in California have an international airport. The largest is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with flights to six continents. Another major international airport is the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SFO has many flights to Europe and is an important gateway to and from Asia , given its relatively close proximity to the continent. There are also several smaller airports in the vicinity of SFO ( Oakland , San Jose , Sacramento ) and LAX ( Burbank , San Diego , Santa Ana , Long Beach , Santa Barbara , Ontario ), but the largest selection (by far) of domestic and international flights can be found at these two airports. Many of the smaller airports in the state have flights to Western U.S.

hubs such as Denver , Phoenix or Seattle . By train[ edit ] Amtrak has hubs in Emeryville and Los Angeles Union Station, with service on routes in the Western U.S. Get around[ edit ] California is the third largest state of the US in terms of size. It compares in size with Sweden . However, getting around California can be simple. Also, California has a variety of climate you can choose to live/visit in; from deserts to beautiful beaches to cold beaches to snowy areas to dry-hot areas to overcast cities to farmland to open grass hills and more! A wonderful place if you want to experience these different climates throughout the year without breaking the bank. By car[ edit ] Golden Gate Bridge In addition to interstates and US highways, California has one of the most expansive state highway systems in the United States. As with all trips in the United States, a car is usually the best way to get around and see all destinations. However the trip from the top of California to the bottom can take well over ten hours. The coast route (State Route 1 and US 101) is much slower and windier than Interstate 5, and GPS travel estimate times may be inaccurate - especially on Highway 1.

Most California drivers are courteous and careful (although speeding is rampant), and the safety and ease of driving in California is comparable to most First World industrialized countries. Exceptions may be found in the most congested areas of San Francisco and Los Angeles , where road rage, reckless driving and red-light running are commonplace. California uses the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) lane marking system standard throughout the United States, in which dashed white lines divide lanes of through traffic and yellow divides opposing traffic (with single dashed indicating passing and double solid indicating no passing). In many urban areas the lane markings are replaced by Botts dots for additional tactile feedback when crossing lanes. The network of freeways in major population centers is often confusing and intimidating to those unfamiliar with the area, so having a good map is very helpful. Almost all exits from freeways are on the right. At interchanges between freeways, in most cases, the flow of traffic continues through the left lanes with the transition to the other freeway being in the right lanes. Note that at certain freeway interchanges, Caltrans is notorious for posting advance direction signs that do not correctly explain which lanes correspond to which ramps. Additionally, Caltrans does not always consistently post signs warning of upcoming lane drops or merges.

For example, where a freeway has three through lanes and the central lane splits into two lanes, thus resulting in two ramps with two lanes each, the advance signage may incorrectly imply that only the right lane will break off for the upcoming right-side ramp, thus causing visitors driving in the middle lane to merge unnecessarily into the right lane. And the two lanes on the right-side ramp may suddenly merge into each other without any warning. These issues frequently result in tourists making wild last-minute lane merges. The 2009 national MUTCD is intended to remediate this problem (as seen in California and several other states) by mandating the use of detailed arrows on direction signs that clearly show which lanes split into new lanes at upcoming interchanges, but only a handful of California interchanges rebuilt after 2009 have implemented the new MUTCD standard. Thus, one should always approach major freeway interchanges in California with caution. Mile-based exit numbering is currently in progress but is still very erratic in areas; an exit number may not be marked at all, may be marked on the last directional sign before the exit, or may be marked on the final "EXIT" sign itself where the exit ramp separates.

Most highways are freely accessible, although there are a handful of toll roads in Orange County , Riverside County , and San Diego . All major bridges in the San Francisco Bay Area have toll plazas on traffic in only one direction. All California toll plazas have cash lanes, with the exception of those at the Golden Gate Bridge, which no longer accepts cash tolls. Cash toll lanes are usually manned by human toll collectors, but some of the Orange County toll roads use only vending machines in the cash lanes which accept bills and coins. California toll plazas do not have "exact change" lanes where drivers may toss change in a basket. All California toll plazas also have lanes for FasTrak electronic toll collection transponders which can be used throughout the state. FasTrak is not compatible with any other state or country's ETC system. Driving through a FasTrak-only lane without a transponder or an active FasTrak account will result in a very expensive ticket. All toll bridges and toll roads have signage for a "last exit before toll," which you should take if you do not have a FasTrak transponder or enough cash to pay the toll.

In major metropolitan areas, the access ramps to a freeway may have two lanes, one marked with a diamond and the other with a traffic signal. The diamond lane (called the "carpool lane") is for vehicles with two or more persons and motorcycles. Vehicles with a single person must use the lane with the traffic light. During high-traffic times, the traffic light spaces out the vehicles attempting to merge onto the freeway. Be sure to read the sign below the light as some ramps allow two or three vehicles per green. A few interchanges between freeways are now using controlled access lights to lighten the gridlock at interchanges. Some freeways have a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane located along the center divider. This lane, also called the carpool lane, is marked by signage on the wall separating the two sides of the freeway, and in Southern California is additionally marked by a double-yellow line (or in a few places, a double-white line in accordance with the newest version of the MUTCD). In most cases, this lane is for two or more persons per vehicle.

Some carpool lanes in Northern California are in effect during rush hour only, and a few selected areas, notably in the Bay Area, require three or more per vehicle, so check the signage before entering a carpool lane. Motorcycles may also use carpool lanes. Carpool lanes in Southern California are usually in effect 24 hours a day, and have limited access points marked by a dashed white line. These points are the only points at which a vehicle may legally enter or exit a carpool lane, since under the MUTCD, drivers are not allowed to merge across a double yellow line. The minimum fine for unlawful use of a carpool lane is $341. All persons in a moving vehicle are required to wear a seat belt and the driver and all passengers can be individually ticketed for failing to do so. Motorcycle riders must wear a helmet. Cellphone users are required to use a hands-free headset if talking on the phone while driving, and texting by the driver is illegal. Unless otherwise signed, right-turns are permitted at red lights following a full stop. If it is raining hard enough to require you to use your windshield wipers, California law requires that your headlights be turned on.

California does not have stationary photo radar cameras like in other countries, and mobile manned photo radar units are rare and still experimental. However, most California police officers do carry radar guns and use them often, and on rural freeways, the California Highway Patrol occasionally flies aircraft overhead to spot speeders and help ground units home in on their positions. Red light enforcement cameras are in use at many urban intersections, but are usually marked only by a single "PHOTO ENFORCED" sign before the intersection. Even more confusing, all approaches to an intersection may be marked with "PHOTO ENFORCED" signs when only one or two actual movements across the intersection are really photo-enforced. The cameras must obtain a clear view of the driver's face and license plate before a ticket may be issued. California's laws against driving under the influence of alcohol are very strict. The maximum permissible blood alcohol concentration for drivers of noncommercial vehicles is 0.08%; for commercial vehicles, it is 0.04%. All drivers are strongly encouraged to call 911 to report drunk drivers. By plane[ edit ] Flying may be a more reasonable option from crossing large expanses of the state.

Many airlines such as American Eagle , Alaska , United & United Express , Jetblue , Virgin America , Delta Connection and Southwest offer intra-state (within the state) service. The primary (commercial) airports are in: By train[ edit ] The state's various rail services provide a cheap and reasonably comfortable way to see and get around much of the state. Amtrak [12] operates a few long-distance routes through and out of California (visit this Wikitravel article for more information), as well as the three Amtrak California [13] routes: Pacific Surfliner travels between San Luis Obispo-Santa Barbara-Los Angeles-San Diego San Joaquins is the Oakland/Sacramento-Yosemite-Bakersfield route (which 'continues' to Las Vegas & Los Angeles on Thruway Motorcoach buses)' Capitol Corridor San Jose-Oakland-Vallejo-Sacramento Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach (buses) connect between ends of the train routes such as the San Jose - Santa Cruz - San Luis Obispo or a continuation of a train route such as the Emeryville - downtwon San Francisco route. There are multiple Thruway routes throughout the state.

In addition, there are several commuter and regional services in the state's metro areas: CalTrain travels between San Francisco and Gilroy through Burlingame, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, San Jose, etc Altamont Commuter Express goes between San Jose and Stockton through the Altmont Pass BART operates in and around the SF Bay Area on multiple routes. Metrolink runs throughout the greater Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Bernardino County region on multiple routes COASTER runs along the coast from Oceanside to downtown San Diego in San Diego County. There are also light rail systems in San Diego , Los Angeles , San Francisco , Sacramento , and San Jose . A comprehensive map of the various California rail services can be found at California Rail Map [14] , including connection points between services. By bus[ edit ] The bus is not the most glamorous way to get around the state, but it can be the cheapest. Greyhound serves about 100 locations statewide, though these are not all actual stations, some are merely stops. In general, Greyhound serves the same routes that Amtrak does, though in some cases the dog is cheaper, faster, or more frequent.

There's fairly frequent service between San Francisco and Los Angeles , San Francisco and Sacramento , and Sacramento and Los Angeles . There's hourly "clocker" buses between Los Angeles and San Diego . The bus stations in San Francisco , Sacramento , and San Diego are all well-located, but in Los Angeles the station is over a mile east of the downtown core. On the other hand, the Santa Barbara Greyhound station is immediately behind the very upscale Saks Fifth Avenue store! Greyhound Lines, (toll free: 1 800 231 2222), [15] . edit In addition to Greyhound there are other choices with: Cruceros & Autobus Americanos, (toll free: 1 800 231 2222), [16] . are the Greyhound subsidiaries in the US for travel in California & the southwestern states and from the US to Mexico . They share the same stops & terminals as Greyhound in many places. Onward travel further south into Mexico through their partner on Grupo Estrella Blanca .

edit Talk[ edit ] The California Constitution states that English is the official language of the state of California, Californian English is the main language and Spanish is the de facto second language, and a knowledge of even rudimentary Spanish is useful, but not a necessity in most places. Los Angeles has some of the largest Hispanic populations north of Mexico. The state is highly influenced by Spanish culture, as California was one part of the Spanish empire until 1821, and then to Mexico for a short while after until ceded to the USA in 1848. In fact, some of its residents declared it an independent country for about a month (The Bear Flag Republic) in the midst of the Mexican-American War 1846-1848, and many of California's cities were named after saints or phrases in Spanish (such as Los Angeles , San Diego , San Francisco , Sacramento , and San Jose ). Store and street signs are sometimes written in both English and Spanish in major metropolitan areas, and "Spanglish" (a mixture of English and Spanish) is often used and heard throughout the state. Most businesses in California have at least a few employees that are bilingual in English and Spanish.

Also, Armenian, Chinese, Japanese, Tagalog, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi, Punjabi, and Khmer are also widely spoken among Asian Californian populations. Despite all the languages that are spoken, a foundational knowledge of either English or Spanish is more than enough to ensure a successful trip to California. All people that you are likely to encounter speak English, and Spanish is studied as a second language in schools by many young people and is also spoken natively by many service industry workers. That said, English is emphatically the more useful of the two. Half-dome at Yosemite National Park Some of the most famous sights in California include: Los Angeles , home to the world-famous Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, the Graumann's Chinese Theater, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, and miles of wide, sandy beaches. San Francisco , with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, a large Chinatown, Italian North Beach, cable cars, and numerous hills.

San Diego has a world famous zoo and separate safari park (formerly the wild animal park), the Sea World marine theme park, and a vibrant, renovated downtown core complete with major league baseball stadium Anaheim , home to the literal ancestor of all modern theme parks, Disneyland Santa Barbara , city on a south-facing coast which styles itself, with some justification, as "the American Riviera." Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] California sales tax varies from 7.5% in rural areas to as high as 10.0% in certain cities. The State Board of Equalization maintains up-to-date charts of sales taxes for all California cities and counties. Sales tax is charged on all goods but not services. It is not included in prices (with the exception of gasoline) and is normally calculated and charged at the cashier. California retail receipts always show a "subtotal," then the amount of sales tax, then the real "total" obtained by adding the two. Like most U.S. states, California sales tax is not refundable for tourists from out-of-state.

Regardless, because sales tax is charged only at the final point of sale (unlike a value-added tax which is levied on every producer in the chain), California prices (even after tax is accounted for) are often still very affordable for tourists visiting from countries that charge high import tariffs and VAT for the same goods. The major department stores in California include Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, JCPenney, Sears, and Kohls. The first four are considered upscale. Macy's is mostly midrange and most stores feature its own store brands. However, Macy's also carries upscale designer label merchandise at select stores in wealthy areas like San Francisco and Costa Mesa. JCPenney, Sears, and Kohls target a middle-class to working-class market. If you are visiting California on an escorted tour package and will be visiting San Francisco and Los Angeles in the same trip, plan on doing most of your department store shopping at the giant West Coast flagship stores in Union Square in San Francisco.

Although Los Angeles is the second largest city in America and the most populous in the state, none of the major chains has ever developed a full-size flagship store in that city comparable to the ones found in New York, Paris, or other world cities. The closest equivalent in Southern California is the cluster of three Macy's stores (women's apparel, men's apparel, and home and furniture) at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. In Northern California, the most important shopping areas are Union Square in San Francisco, Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, and Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose. In Southern California, the most important shopping areas are Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills (mostly for window shopping as few visitors can actually afford anything), Westfield Century City, Santa Monica Place (and the adjacent Third Street Promenade), Beverly Center, South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island in Newport Beach, and Horton Plaza and Fashion Valley in San Diego. The Premium Outlets chain operates several factory outlet centers in California, of which the most important are located at Vacaville, Gilroy, Camarillo, Cabazon, and Carlsbad.

California is famous as the home of the Fry's Electronics computer retail chain, which operates superstores throughout Silicon Valley and in other suburban areas throughout the state. Unfortunately, most Fry's stores are not conveniently located from a tourist perspective and are very difficult to reach without a rental car. The stores closest to areas of interest to tourists are in Palo Alto (near Stanford University), Manhattan Beach, and Huntington Beach (near South Coast Plaza). As in the rest of the U.S., the leading convenience store chain in California is 7-Eleven. The two other major convenience store chains are am/pm stores (always found at Arco gas stations) and Circle K. For basic supplies, try to use supermarkets and pharmacies if possible, as they have better selection and provide better value for your money than convenience stores. The major pharmacy chains in California are CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. The major supermarkets in the Bay Area are Safeway, Lucky's, and Nob Hill Foods, while in Los Angeles, major supermarkets include Vons, Pavilions, Ralphs, and Albertson's. The state's inland metro areas feature smaller supermarket chains like WinCo and Raley's.

Whole Foods Market is the leading organic/natural supermarket throughout the state; other organic/natural chains include Trader Joe's and Sprouts Farmers Market. Bristol Farms is the dominant upscale supermarket in Southern California (with a single NorCal store near San Francisco Union Square) while Draeger's is the dominant upscale supermarket in the Bay Area. The ubiquitous discount store chains Walmart and Target both offer some groceries (Walmart Supercenters and SuperTargets offer a full selection of groceries) and also usually have pharmacies on site. However, with the exception of the relatively new CityTarget stores in downtown Los Angeles and San Francisco, most of their stores are located in suburbs and are difficult to reach unless you have a rental car. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] The culinary style known as Californian Cuisine is noted for its use of fresh often local ingredients and imaginative fusion of several styles. The burrito also has its origins from California, born in the Mission District of San Francisco. Almost anything you can imagine can be found somewhere in California. Immigration has had a strong influence on California's culinary landscape, with the cuisines of The Americas and Asia heavily represented, and those of nearly every other country available to a lesser-extent.

More "North American" fare includes everything from burger shacks to vegetarian, organic and even completely vegan restaurants; the Californian love for food has left it with one of the most diverse restaurant scenes in the North America. The large cities have the most variety, while things get simpler and more meat-heavy as you get more rural. Upscale restaurants can be found in nearly all large cities, as well as some of the smaller areas. Only the rural areas, which tourists rarely have interest in, are devoid of high-end establishments. Nearly all cuisines, from French to Japanese, can be found in each Californian city. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] The legal drinking and purchasing age of alcoholic beverages is 21. Under age drinking is taken very seriously so if you are in a club or bar and appear to be under 30 you should be ready to present identification showing your age. However, California is one of the 17 states that doesn't penalize a minor for consuming alcohol if he/she is discovered to have been drinking alcohol through his/her reporting a medical emergency for another under age drinker. [30] California is known for its fine wines and gourmet beers.

Napa , Sonoma and Mendocino are premier wine districts north of San Francisco, but there are others in the Central Coast region and even the San Diego region where suitable microclimates have been found. The inland Central Valley region has hotter summers and traditionally produced inexpensive bulk wines, but quality has been improving with winemaking innovations. Californians tend to view wine as a natural accompaniment of food or socializing, overlooking its alcoholic content more easily than with distilled spirits. However police crackdowns on drinking and driving are increasingly severe with roadblocks and random checks. Conviction for driving with a blood alcohol level over .08 percent is likely to bring serious legal and financial consequences. Drivers with lower blood alcohol can still be convicted for DUI (driving under the influence) if they fail field sobriety tests such as walking a straight line. For beer, California also has a large population of microbreweries. Sierra Nevada, located in Chico , is one of the biggest microbreweries in North America. In the Central Coast the midsized brewery Firestone Walker in Paso Robles is a good addition to the local wineries in the area.

In San Diego , Stone Brewing Company offers a great variety of beers that can be purchased throughout the state. The Russian River Brewing Company, located in Santa Rosa , is home to a wide variety of beers that have received accolades worldwide. There are over 212 microbreweries in California. Mid-range[ edit ] Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, San Bernardino (Redlands), CA, 1650 Industrial Park Ave, Redlands, CA 92374, ☎ 909-792-7913, [31] . edit Travelodge Inn & Suites Bell Los Angeles Area, 6600 Atlantic Ave, Bell, California 90201-2524, US, ☎ 323-771-8888, [32] . Newly Renovated Travelodge Inn & Suites Bell CA Hotel, conveniently located to the Los Angeles area near Commerce Casino. edit Air Stagnation[ edit ] Occasionally, there will be an advisory issued for air stagnation, which is a phenomenon involving an air mass that cannot move and therefore stagnates over an area for an extensive period of time.

Pollutants are often unable to be removed from the air and this often causes breathing difficulties for those with existing respiratory conditions. If you have a respiratory condition, refer to the National Weather Service website on air quality to see if any such advisories have been issued for the areas you might visit. Disease[ edit ] Like many western states, California has had cases of hantaviral pulmonary syndrome, 42 confirmed cases in the state since 1993. Realistically, however, hantavirus is of very little concern to the traveler; but sensible precautions should be applied. Do NOT venture in a wild animal's den or handle any dead animals; particularly rodents, as rodents seem to be the primary vector of the illness. There is no cure for the disease, treatment mainly consists of supportive therapies. The main defense against the virus is prevention. California-Mexico Border[ edit ] Due to California's proximity to the International Boundary with Mexico, visitors should be cautious while in areas near the border. Know where you are at all times, follow good safety procedures and use common sense when making decisions. Do not pick-up hitch hikers. Keep valuables, including spare change, out of sight and lock your vehicle.

Avoid traveling in well-marked but unofficial "trails." Avoid hiking or camping in areas of major border activity. If you are visiting a national or state park, consult park staff to help plan backcountry travel in safer areas. Report any suspicious behavior to the U.S. Border Patrol. Crossing The Border[ edit ] Thousands of U.S citizens visit the state of Baja California, Mexico from California every year with the majority of travelers returning from an enjoyable experience. However, a minority of travelers do experience difficulties and serious inconveniences while traveling to Mexico. Before traveling to Mexico, ensure that you have the proper documentation and are familiar with the recommendations for foreign travel from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs [33] Crime[ edit ] As a whole, California has a relatively high crime rate when compared to many other states. The usual inner city crime can be found in the worst parts of Los Angeles , San Francisco , and Oakland . Central Valley cities, such as Sacramento , Stockton , and Fresno also have gang problems. Northern coastal cities such as Eureka have an ongoing problem with significant drug activity, primarily the prevalence of methamphetamine, and property crimes. However, most California cities are very safe.

As long as you take basic precautions against petty crime and stay out of obviously run-down neighborhoods, you will probably have a safe and pleasant visit. Be smart and you will be safe. If you are traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 101, you may notice there are a substantial number of hitch-hikers along the way. Most hitchhikers are friendly and present no danger, however, use caution when picking them up. Marijuana is now legal in California. Anyone must be 21 or older to consume, possess, or purchase marijuana - it doesn't matter if its for recreational or medicinal reasons and it is strictly enforced. DO NOT bring cannabis into any Indian reservation that has deemed it illegal, nor Federal enclaves as Federal law will be heavily enforced. If you find yourself in an emergency situation (of any kind), dial 911 on your phone. Law enforcement[ edit ] There are four major types of law enforcement you may encounter in California. On state-maintained freeways and highways and in some rural areas you will most commonly encounter officers of the California Highway Patrol (made famous by the late 1970s TV show CHiPs), who wear beige uniforms with blue trim.

In recent years they have used Ford Crown Victoria cruisers and BMW motorcycles, but are currently in the midst of a transition to Ford Explorer Police Pursuit Vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. In many suburbs and rural towns, you will encounter deputies of the sheriff for that county. Sheriff uniforms vary but are beige in most counties. Most urban sheriff's deputies drive Ford Crown Victoria cruisers or similar sedan-type vehicles while rural sheriff's deputies drive a variety of sport-utility vehicles or light trucks. In cities, especially large ones, you will encounter police officers from the relevant city police department. Police uniforms are usually black. Most police departments drive Ford Crown Victoria cruisers or are currently transitioning to the Chevrolet Caprice or Dodge Charger. Finally, you may encounter certain special-district police departments like BART Police. All these types of officers are trained to uniform baseline standards set by the statewide Commission on Police Standards and Training (POST), and all of them are typically armed with a handgun and sometimes, a nonlethal weapon like a Taser. As with U.S. law enforcement in general, California law enforcement officers have a strong tradition of honesty and professionalism, and there is zero tolerance for petty corruption like soliciting or taking bribes.

Most police scandals in California arise from the use of grossly excessive force (often after an officer overreacted to an ambiguous or complex situation). Therefore, if you encounter a law enforcement officer, stay calm, follow directions, and do not make sudden moves which could be interpreted as a threat. Earthquakes[ edit ] Earthquakes that are large enough to cause extensive damage are rare, but remain a matter of reality for the state. The biggest dangers in an earthquake are falling objects and windows which shatter explosively. In the event of an earthquake, face away from windows and hide under any sturdy table or desk that may be available. If you are indoors, do not run outside! Falling building facades are more likely to cause severe injuries than anything inside. Contrary to popular belief do not stand in a door frame. It is not safe at all, this is merely a myth. You're more likely to get your fingers caught in the frame from all the shaking and swinging of the door than gain protection from a falling object. If outdoors, stay away from buildings and stay out from under power lines.

Deserts[ edit ] Along the southernmost portion of the California-Nevada border and the, as well as the California-Arizona border, California has desert landscapes which extend into the south-central regions of the state; the most famous (or infamous) being the region known as Death Valley , where numerous hapless tourists and hikers have indeed met an unfortunate fate while exploring the region. If you are planning on traveling or hiking into these locations, follow desert survival guidelines. Be sure to take plenty of water (at least one gallon per person, per day), sunscreen and wear light clothing. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to get return. Be sure to have a full tank of gasoline, a fully charged cell phone in working condition, and multiple bottles of water prior to traveling by car into these regions. Many desert locations are extremely remote and without any services for many miles (in some cases nearly 100 miles). A vehicle breakdown in the desert is extremely unpleasant in the best-case scenario and tragic in the worst. Also, it is best to hike during the earlier part of the day, as thunderstorms tend to develop suddenly during the afternoon. In the event you encounter inclement weather conditions, seek high ground immediately!

Thunderstorms can cause flash flooding in canyons and other low-lying areas. Fog[ edit ] Although Southern California is world-famous for sunny weather, much of California suffers from heavy fog in the morning during certain times of year, particularly the Central Valley and some smaller valleys in Northern and Central California. Even coastal areas in Southern California sometimes see fog in the summer (the notorious "June gloom"). Fog usually causes a massive (and often deadly) freeway pileup somewhere in the state approximately every three to five years. Exercise extreme caution when traveling in areas where heavy fog is forecast. Tsunamis[ edit ] The incidence of Earthquakes in California raises the concern for potential threats of Tsunamis. Though very rare to occur, it should be noted that a great deal of California's coastline is in a Tsunami zone. For more information on the state's hazard assessment, visit the NOAA Center for Tsunami Research website [34] . Wildfires[ edit ] Wildfires are quite common between May and October.

Take a few precautions - throw out cigarette butts into trashcans, clear the area around campfire pits/rings in campgrounds, never leave flames unattended (even artificial ones), avoid weapon use in dry areas. The strongest impact from fires is smoke. Smoke affects areas dramatically exceeding the size of the root fire. Travelers with respiratory issues should consult visitor information sites before visiting areas where fires are occurring. Respect[ edit ] California is filled with a very diverse group of people. Northern and Southern California have extremely different cultures, while the rural areas in the Central Valley and Eastern portions of the state differ even more significantly. Like much of the US, sensitive topics include immigration, race, gay rights, and politics. Know that California is predominantly highly progressive, and views that could be interpreted as bigoted are not widely tolerated. Get out[ edit ] Arizona - Home to the Grand Canyon , Arizona borders California to the southeast across the Colorado River. Nevada - California's eastern neighbor is best known as the home of Las Vegas , although towns such as Reno and Carson City are also good day-trip opportunities for visitors wanting to explore the Silver State. Oregon - Sharing a border to the north, Oregon is home to impressive mountains and extensive forests.

Hawaii - Many visitors to America's fiftieth state depart through California on their journey across the Pacific. Baja California - Those traveling across the border to Mexico can visit some of that country's most impressive sea and landscapes. This is a usable article. It gives a good overview of the region, its sights, and how to get in, as well as links to the main destinations, whose articles are similarly well developed. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow ! Nevada Geography from NETSTATE The Land The Nevada landscape is represented by sandy deserts, rugged, snow covered mountains, forested mountain slopes, and grassy valleys. Located almost entirely within the Great Basin (desert area the reaches into six states), Nevada can be divided into three main land regions; the Columbia Plateau, the Sierra Nevada, and the Basin and Range Region. In the northeastern corner of Nevada, the land is supported by lava bedrock. Rivers and streams have cut deeply into the bedrock, leaving deep canyons with steep ridges. Near the Idaho border the land turns to open prairie. This is part of the Columbia Plateau.

The Sierra Nevada is the rugged mountain range that cuts across a portion of Nevada south of Carson City. Lake Tahoe, a beautiful glacial lake, on the California/Nevada border lies in one of the valleys of the Sierra Nevada. The rest of the state is part of the Basin and Range Region. This region is divided by more than 150 mountain ranges running from north to south. The Basin and Range Region is bordered on the west by the Sierra Nevada. In the center of the state are the Toiyabe and Toquima mountain ranges. In the east are the Snake and Toana mountain ranges. Scattered between all of the ranges are buttes (single lone hills) and mesas (flat-topped mountains) as well as flat valleys with lakes or alkalie flats. Hot springs and geysers are remnants of the dying volcanoes that once populated Nevada. Climate (All temperatures Fahrenheit) Highest Temperature The highest temperature recorded in Nevada is 125°, Fahrenheit. This record high has been recorded on June 29, 1994 at Laughlin. Lowest Temperature The lowest temperature in Nevada, -50°, was recorded on January 8th, 1937 at San Jacinto.

Average Temperature Monthly average temperatures range from a high of 104.5 degrees to a low of 19.5 degrees. Climate Average yearly precipitation for Nevada, from 1971 to 2000, is shown on this chart from Oregon State University. Sources: The World Almanac of the U.S.A. by Allan Carpenter and Carl Provorse, Copyright © 1998 Christopher H. Exline and James W. Hulse, "Nevada," World Book Online Americas Edition, August 15, 2001. The United States Geological Survey Website

Question: California is bordered by 3 states, Arizona and Nevada are two name the third,
Answer: OREGON